No meeting.
Board Meeting Minutes 07/07
Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting July 11, 2007
Minutes
Board Members Present:
Niki Stavrou, Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris, David Potosky, Karen Pieper, Tom Parent, Chris Sur, David Brauer, Amy Joe Gracyalny, JobyLynn Sassily James, Ben Kristensen
Board Members Absent:
Mary Hunter
KFNA Staff Present:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Joanna Hallstrom
Others: Jake Weyer.
Meeting Called to Order:
David Brauer called the meeting to order at 7:05PM
Community Forum:
Joanna Hallstrom introduced herself to the new board members.
Secretary’s Report:
Arthur moved to accept the minutes. Joby Lynn seconded. Passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
No report
Redevelopment Committee Report:
Additional news is July 18 liquor license hearing for The Driftwood (old Westrums) in King Park. They don’t need to apply for a new license but the city council is asking that they hold a public hearing anyway. The committee has started planning for rollout of the Plymouth Church Foundation project to the neighborhood. No updates on La Chaya.
NRP Committee Report:
No meeting.
Green Committee Report:
KFNA got a Grassroots Climate Change Microgrant from the city of $1000. We will distribute Kill-a-Watts to neighbors and get reports back. A grant for $10,000 was recently submitted to the city for an extension on this work into extensive outreach through houseparties, bike tours and other events.
Newsletter:
None
King Bridge Partnership:
None
Farmers’ Market:
None
Crime and Safety Committee:
Several problem houses had been identified during the meeting. Niki reported about the graffiti on Fairy Godmother’s. There is speculation it was retaliation for an article she wrote in the last Southwest Journal about cleaning up graffiti. It was all cleaned up today. They didn’t touch the mural at all.
Bike Task Force:
Some events have been pulled into Green Committee. There is some possible money for next year.
Projects:
Walldogs – Doing a September Walldog event. 34th and Nicollet and logo on Lyndale Neighborhood office building. These will be a taste of the other 8 murals that will come in July. Neighborhood restaurants in Lyndale and Kingfield are being asked to donate a portion of profits from a day to the project. Other fundraising projects.
Transportation – The Downtown Action Plan has been accepted by the City Council with some modifications. The city has released an air quality study that indicates some problems at 46th and Nicollet. Gerber suggested that the Redevelopment Committee take a look at it. The Comprehensive Plan for the city is also moving along and Gerber suggested that the Redevelopment Committee be active in developing recommendations for the board to submit to the city.
40th and Lyndale – Steve Brandt has resigned from the committee due to his new job. Barbara Crosby has offered to serve on the committee representing KFNA. Despite the design challenge wrapping up there is still a lot to do with the committee.
Updates on Current Issues:
Berry Selling – Berry picking is very time consuming. Two hours of picking made about $80. The berries are very good and sell quickly. Have been very popular at the market but have been a logistic problem. Sales of some of the products at the market are selling incredibly well. David B recommends getting there early and leave yourself a lot of time. You should try to have 4 or 5 people with you. Sarah needs to fill out the next several weeks of picking.
Mosaic Mural – The action for the artists to submit a proposal is in their court.
New Business:
Appointment of Barbara Crosby to the 40th and Lyndale – Tom Parent moved that KFNA “support the involvement of Barbara Crosby as a Kingfield resident on the 40th and Lyndale Committee.†Seconded by Dave Saddoris. Passed unanimously.
Housing Loan Program Contract Preparation – Chris Sur moved to approve the contract revisions. Joby Lynn seconded. Passed unanimously.
Land Trust letter of support – The letter has previously been approved. It just needs to be signed.
Web site proposal – David P. outlined a proposal he has recently submitted for maintenance and upkeep of the website. He proposes decreasing the cost of operation and redirecting the savings into paying for design/development work on the website. The new design would be much more open and interactive allowing for greater input from the community via Wiki and blog technology. This should lower the maintenance and would require less technical expertise to use. It would also allow the community to take more ownership of the site. Tom likes the idea and that it would serve the neighborhood well. Suggests putting this into a committee. David would like to put the design work out to a contractor. He and Sarah have several people in mind. Several ideas and explanations of blog and Wiki were passed around. David B asked that David P put together a formal proposal to bring to the board for a vote.
August Meeting – Last year we didn’t do a meeting in August. David B asked if we want to plan on having one or not. Joby Lynn moved that “we don’t meet in August unless necessary and try to work votes out via email.†David P seconded. Passed by majority. Arthur abstained. Sarah would like to still send out a board packet to keep everyone up to date on events and get volunteers for Walldogs.
NNO – Last year we biked around giving out ice cream. It went over well but some felt that it was excessive with everyone already having food. Sarah proposed that we do it again just handing out information. Tom thought that the ice cream was a valuable good will gesture. We will buy ice cream and do it again. Several board members volunteered to bike that weekend to help.
Kingfield festival next Thursday 6 to 8PM – The Park will put out a couple tables for KFNA. Committee’s should put out materials and volunteer to serve at the tables. All board members should try to show up wearing their board t-shirt.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30PM
Minutes prepared by Darrell Gerber
Board Meeting Minutes 06/07
Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
June 13, 2007
Minutes
Board Members Present:
Niki Stavrou, Arthur Knowles, Dave Saddoris, David Potosky, Karen Pieper, Tom Parent, Chris Sur, David Brauer, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Mary Hunter
Board Members Absent:
JobyLynn Sassily James, Ben Kristensen
KFNA Staff Present:
Sarah Linnes-Robinson,
Others: Jack, Paul Hokeness, Brian, Steve Brandt, Michael Vanderfort, Diana Schliesman, Lee, and Jenny.
Meeting Called to Order:
David Brauer called the meeting to order at 7PM
Community Forum:
No Discussion
Old Business:
King Park Fence discussion:
Topic moved up in agenda to fit schedule of MPRB staff in attendance. Paul Heckness – District manager spoke after David Brauer’s introduction of the issue. This portion is intended to allow us to hear from the Park Board and decide what kind of meeting we need to have to resolve community and KFNA concerns around the fence built in King Park. The MPRB is working on a comprehensive plan. Last one was 1976. One of the issues is communications. Some meetings will be held to talk about this and work on improving it. One thing that they working on is better integration with the neighborhood newsletters. Linnes-Robinson asked about whether or not King Park has a Comprehensive Plan. King Park doesn’t have a Master Plan. This is more of a design and landscape plan. Gerber asked Paul what kind of meeting he felt would be needed to address the present issue with the community. There have been many different meetings in the past.
Secretary’s Report:
Chris moved to accept the minutes, Arthur seconded. Passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
No questions on financial documents
Redevelopment Committee Report:
Tom has some corrections of typos to send to Joana.
NRP Committee Report:
Niki asked that her name be changed to Stavrou on the minutes.
Green Committee Report:
None
Newsletter:
None
King Bridge Partnership:
None
Farmers’ Market:
None
Crime and Safety Committee:
None
Bike Task Force:
None
Projects:
Walldogs – None
Transportation – None
40th and Lyndale – None
Old Business:
King Park Fence – (Take Two) Steve Brandt and Michael Vanderfort came to talk about their concerns about the recent Park fence issue. Vanderfort runs the KFNA sponsored soccer program. They outlined their concern about the lack of notice and opportunity for input from the community concerning the changes to the park. This was a missed opportunity to give valuable input into the design and use of the park from the neighborhood and KFNA. It would have made it more beneficial and useful to the neighborhood. Steve was on the citizen advisory committee for the last big upgrade of the park. A part of the plan was to have sprinklers to cover the full soccer field area. There were plans to have a much higher level of soccer use that Michael feels has not developed as foreseen. There needs to be a focus on moving forward and improving communications. Diana talked about the workgroup that is meeting about the city wide issue of improving communications between neighborhoods and the MPRB. There should be a plan to get a procedure out of the meeting on how and when the Park meets with the neighborhood. Michael felt that it should also be important for Brian to be able to talk about and explain the reasoning behind the fence. Chris moved that we “have a separate meeting organized by a board member and advertised between the park board and the community around the fence and communications with the neighborhood. It should be forward looking and positive“. Niki seconded. David B., Karen, Chris, and Diana will work to organize the meeting. Passed. David P voted no. Arthur abstained.
New Business:
NRP Phase II Scope of Service review and approval – Sarah reviewed the documents provided. There have been concerns with Phase II spending from downtown but there is no freeze. In fact, KFNA has been encouraged to move as many contracts through as possible now. Had to spread Phase II money over 5 years but could only do 70% in first 3 years. We are in year 2 but have not contracted anything. David asked how we are now contracting 2006 money. Sarah, you can always contract backward for money budgeted but you can’t reach forward for money budgeted down the line. Arthur moved “to approve and direct the President to sign the Scopes and Services as specified in NRP Phase II.†Niki seconded. Passed unanimously.
Housing Loan Administrator Selection – Sarah brings a recommendation to approve selection of The Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) as the KFNA Housing Loan Administrator. This is the recommendation coming from the Redevelopment Committee. They were the lowest bidder and we have a good working relationship with them over several years. They are not going to do marketing for us but Sarah feels there is quite a bit of interest already. David suggested that we be careful not to only open this to insiders and those in the know. Planning for marketing and promotion will be taken up at the next Redevelopment Meeting. David P. moved to approve selection of CEE as Housing Loan Administrator. Tom seconded. Passed unanimously.
Beer and Wine License Support Requested by La Chaya (KFC)
They came to Redevelopment to outline their work and get support for their beer and wine license. Redevelopment felt they could not decide on that issue and that it should come to the full board. They will be required by the city to hold a community meeting. Notices will be sent by the city to people in the area. Tom asked that KFNA be included on the notice and also that notice be given to a wider group than just immediate neighbors. We can also, at that time, either give a recommendation from KFNA or remain silent. David B asked that we be sure that the meeting is held in the neighborhood and in the evening. Niki said her experience is that the city does do that as common practice. David B. also pointed out that KFNA does not approve or deny the license but we can have input into it. We can also remain silent. The vote is that of the City Council but they do take into account the neighbors’ opinions (to varying degrees).
Plymouth Neighborhood Foundation Letter of Support – Lee and Jenny Masson attended from Plymouth Church Foundation came. They presented their organization and their plans for a project at the Werness Bros. Funeral Home site. There will be a 42 unit supportive housing space for at-risk youth plus a coffee shop and 3-4 bedroom townhomes. There will be on-site support services. Board members and Redevelopment Committee members will have an opportunity later to tour other sites. Tom explained that this is only stating that at this time the project meets our guidelines for the neighborhood and looks like a good start. He also stated that it is felt that management of the project will be paramount toward making it work. Arthur moved that “the board support and ask the president to sign the letter supporting the Plymouth Letter of Support as forwarded by the Redevelopment Committee.“ Chris seconded. Passed unanimously.
Mosaic Mural – Sarah gave an update of our mural history and the mosaic mural on Frame Ups, specifically. No agreement was ever reached and the grant offer was withdrawn. Discussion has continued with the artists to find a place for the mural. Nothing progressed. The artists have asked to submit a bill for the work completed thus far for the design, materials and a workshop for some youth. We don’t have any written agreement with them at this time. David P moved “they be offered starting at $600 with a limit of 20% $600 for the work done.†Chris seconded it. David P. withdrew motion. Chris moved that we “authorize Sarah to tell them we have no moral, legal, or otherwise requirement to pay them but that she ask for their bill to bring to the board next month.†Arthur seconded. Passed unanimously.
Land Trust Letter – Chris moved to accept. David S. seconded. Passed unanimously.
Arthur moves adjournment. David S seconded. Passed unamimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9PM
Minutes prepared by Darrell Gerber
Board Meeting Minutes 05/07
Kingfield Neighborhood Association (KFNA) board meeting
May 9, 2007
Presiding: Erik Lindseth, outgoing President
Attending: David Brauer, JobyLynn SassilyJames, Darrell Gerber, Karen Pieper, Amy Joe Gracyalny, Mary Hunter, Ben Kristensen, Tom Parent, David Saddoris, Chris Sur
Absent: Shawna Gibson, Niki Stavrou, Arthur Knowles
Neighborhood forum
Steve Brandt expressed concerns about a chain-link baseball fence erected over the soccer field at King Park. Brandt was unhappy there was little Park Board consultation with the neighborhood. Matt Perry, president of the East Harriet Neighborhood Assn., introduced himself to new board members.
Issue Updates
Park fence: KFNA Exec. Dir. Sarah Linnes-Robinson said there were two issues – the fence layout itself and the parks’ decision-making process. There is no comprehensive plan for the park. Park area Supt. Paul Hokeness and Park Board Director Bob Fine have offered to attend a future meeting. The KFNA board will discuss what type of neighborhood meeting will be held regarding these issues.
38th & Pleasant: A meeting about parking problems on the corner was organized, but the meeting grew beyond its planned scope and representatives from various organizations including Sagrado de Corazon congregation felt that if they attended they might be beat up. Mediation may be possible.
Westrum’s Bar: The board has received a letter from Heidi Fields & Bryce Anderson, 4303 Harriet Ave., the potential new owners of the now-closed bar. Their inquiry was referred to the Redevelopment Committee, which will invite Heidi to meet with them.
Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports:
Approved without objection
Committee Reports
Redevelopment: Plymouth Neighborhood housing is considering buying the Werness Funeral Home at 37th & Nicollet as a home for at-risk youth. The plan is three years out at best, and Tom Parent said it was a good sign they’re huddling with the neighborhood so soon. The board will meet with a representative to be backgrounded on the issue in June.
NRP: no report
Green: The stormwater demonstration project will be implemented this summer – four residences and one business have been selected to participate.
Newsletter: May need a new editor and layout person this year.
King Bridge Partnership: no report.
Farmer’s Market: First market is two weeks out. The next two years will determine its fate. Augmenting early markets with crafts because food is in short supply. Pursuing a grant for weekly live entertainment. Will feature only local food at market. New vendors include Rustica, free-range chicken seller, and berries. A second, non-KFNA market may open at 36th & Nicollet, selling more clothes and other non-food items. As far as we know, they have no licences.
Crime Prevention: no report.
Bike: Five-six people are interested in forming a group to raise area ridership. Transit for Livable Communities is also interested in something. Interested groups will be brought to Green Committee.
Art to Di For: Produced $3,533 profit, not including staff time. KFNA now owns the portable walls that show the artwork and perhaps they can be rented out.
Walldogs: The September 2007 mural-painting event has been postponed to September 2008. Some of the Walldog volunteer painters, who are from all over the area and country, have safety concerns about urban areas. We may need to find urban painters. This year, we’ll do one wall as a teaser, continue fundraising, and try to tie into a big Hudson, Wi. event in 2008.
Transportation: Meetings continue about 40th & Lyndale Task Force.
New Business
New member: Shawna Gibson resigned because she is moving. David Potosky offered to serve; Darrell moved that David be appointed second alternate board member, behind Karl Narvesen, who was elected first alternate at the April annual meeting. (The other alternate elected in April declined to move up to a full board post). David Brauer seconded the motion, which noted that if Narvesen declines to assume a board post by May 16, David Potosky will become a board member. Adopted on a unanimous voice vote.
Officers elected: On voice votes with no opposition, David Brauer was elected President, JobyLynn vice-president, Karen Pieper treasurer and Darrell Gerber secretary. All were unopposed. Minute-taking at meetings will rotate among board members. Erik Lindseth handed over the meeting to David Brauer.
Berry selling: Sarah said board members need to volunteer to pick berries at a Hugo, Mn. farm to sell at the Farmer’s Market; proceeds will go to KFNA. The board deferred commitment until an email vote between meetings or the June board meeting.
Farmer’s Market electricity: Sarah said $1,600 is needed for exterior electric outlets on the dialysis center’s building at the Farmer’s Market site, on the 4200 block of Nicollet. The outlets will allow vendors who need electricity to offer products at the market, and replace generators. Some concern that the lease at the site has only two more years to run, and will the money be well-spent? It’s unclear whether we have a vendor nailed down who will need electricity. Will the dialysis center extend the lease? Darrell moves to approve a $1,600 expenditure for electrical outlets at the Farmer’s Market site; David Saddoris seconds. David Saddoris make a friendly amendment that Sarah will handle the details, and she and staff will be a good-faith effort and there will be a reasonable expectation that we will have a vendor or vendors that use the power. JobyLynn seconds. Motion approved on a voice vote without objection. Chris moves that the board also direct Sarah to work on getting a lease extension. Ben seconds. Approved on a voice vote without objection.
David Saddoris moves adjournment; Bens seconds. Approved on a unanimous voice vote.
Board Meeting Minutes 03/07
Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
March 14, 2007
Minutes
Board Members Present: Mark Hinds, Dave Saddoris, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, Shawna Gibson, JobyLynn Sassily, Dianna Schleisman, Arthur Knowles, Thor Anderson, Tom Parent (alternate)
KFNA Staff Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson
Board Members Absent: Peter Hallstrom, Niki Valens, Martha Ingram
Meeting Called to Order: Lindseth called meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
Community Forum: No discussion for community forum.
Secretary’s Report: Jan. & Feb. board meeting minutes approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s report approved.
Redevelopment Committee Report: Parent reported that there is no new business to discuss
NRP Committee Report: Knowles reported that there is no new business to discuss.
Green Committee Report: Saddoris reported that his committee is forming a dodgeball team.
Newsletter Committee Report: Anderson reported that the spring edition has been published.
King Bridge Partnership: Minor changes to meeting notes were indicated.
Farmers’ Market: Knowles asked if new members are able join. Linnes-Robinson indicated that the committee is nearly done with its assignment.
Crime and Safety Committee: Gibson clarified minutes for board members.
Projects
Art to Di for: Linnes-Robinson clarified budget issues for board members, indicated that the final budget numbers are still being tabulated. Saddoris asked about exits at the event location. Linnes-Robinson indicated that there are sufficient exits. Lindseth wondered whether or not the budget needed to be approved. Hinds replied that it has already been allocated.
Walldogs: 3 sites have been assigned. 6 sites have not yet been assigned. Further discussion postponed until New Business.
Old Business:
Budget: Linnes-Robinson described the budget as reflected in Fiscal 07.xls document. Schleisman asked why T-shirts are not in budget. Linnes-Robinson explained that old stock will be used, in addition to new Walldogs T-shirts. Lindseth reminded board that the exec. com. has reviewed and approved the document. Budget approved.
Saving Account Recommendation: Kristensen explained the benefits of an “eTrade†savings account. Linnes-Robinson explained preference for putting $30,000 into account. Saddoris stated that he is not in favor, as he had a back (bad?) transaction with eTrade in the past. Motion carried with Saddoris voting “noâ€.
HR Policy Amendment: Board discussion led to amendment to HR policy with the following statement: “Regular employees will get a regular stipend at the end of the year based on the number of hours workedâ€. It was further amended as follows: “If employee terminates employment during the calender year the stipend will be prorated and paid upon termination. Neither temporary employees or independent contractors are eligible for an annual stipendâ€.
Regarding the issue of posting open positions, it was amended that: “only employee positions need be posted, not temporary employees or independent contractorsâ€.
New Business:
Farmer’s Market Temporary Employee Coordinator Job Description: Linnes-Robinson explained that this job will be similar to last year, with increased hours. Hourly rate is $15. Linnes-Robinson indicated that the position would need to be posted ASAP. Terms were adopted.
Stormwater Site Participant’s Contract: Saddoris explained contract (see document). Linnes-Robinson indicated that there will be another agreement for commercial properties. It was agreed that the contract be amended with the addition of an “initial†line next to Statement 10 in the contract. In addition Lindseth agreed to rework the waiver clause in this and the commercial contracts.
Walldog Site Organizer Independent Contractor Contract: The contract was approved with the stipulation that the project cost will be split 50/50 between the neighborhoods (KFNA & LNA)
Property Variance: Board approved a variance seeking permission to split Sassily property. Sassily abstained.
Annual Meeting Plans: Annual meeting is Monday, April 16th. Board discussed how to use allocate time during the meeting. Linnes-Robinson and board committee chairs agreed to take responsibility for various aspects of the event.
Meeting adjourned at 9 PM.
Minutes prepared by Thor Anderson.
KFNA Board Secretary – Peter Hallstrom
KFNA Board President – Erik Lindseth